Free History of Knowledge Management Essay Sample

Knowledge management has no clear theory, mostly because it appears to be a combination of many disciplines. The history of knowledge management dates back to building the figher planes during the World War II.  Developers came to realize the fact that the second plane was always built better than the first one. This was observed basing on the first experience in building fighters. Knowledge management bases completely on learning. In order to enhance the level of knowledge, education was paramount.

In 1944, immediately after the World War II, GI Bill was adopted by the government in order to improve the postwar situation and to specify the benefits for veterans. Among the benefits was granting of tuition money to pay for their education. The government also catered for books, fees and reading materials. Under the program, more than eight million of veterans were able to access education, improving the intellectual level of the country.

Ikujiro Nonaka is a Japanese professor, who has spent the better part of his life studying knowledge management. Being a renowned writer, he co-authored at least five texts on knowledge management. He also proposed the SECI theory of knowledge management that encompasses Socialization, Externalization, Combination and Internalization. Peter Drunker is another writer, who has influenced greatly on knowledge management. He has written dozens of works on management, paying special attention to the question describing how businesses and private institutions manage their resources. The writer has a presidential award for his work on management.

Michael Polyani’s positivist theory has a direct effect on knowledge management. According to the theory, all knowledge bases on personal experience. We can correlate this to the building of fighter planes, as discussed earlier.

Perhaps the major contributor to knowledge management is the World Wide Web. The internet has made the earth a global world. Access to information and learning materials is accessible at the click of a mouse. There are millions and millions of knowledge databases on the web. Web 2-0, which allows sharing information through blogs and RSS feeds, makes access to information even easier.

Delving deeper into the realm of knowledge management, it's noteworthy to explore the concept of tacit knowledge. Coined by Michael Polanyi, tacit knowledge refers to the kind of knowledge that is difficult to articulate, often residing in individuals' experiences, intuition, and skills. Recognizing the significance of tacit knowledge has become crucial in understanding the nuanced dynamics of knowledge transfer within organizations. On the technological front, blockchain has emerged as a disruptive force with the potential to revolutionize knowledge management. Its decentralized and secure nature makes it an ideal candidate for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of information. Blockchain applications in knowledge management range from validating the origin of data to creating transparent and tamper-proof knowledge repositories.

The advent of social media has also left an indelible mark on knowledge dissemination. Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and research-specific networks such as ResearchGate provide avenues for professionals and researchers to share insights, findings, and collaborate on a global scale. Social media's real-time nature enhances the speed at which information is shared, contributing to the rapid evolution of collective knowledge. In the corporate sphere, communities of practice have gained prominence as effective knowledge-sharing mechanisms. These communities, formed by individuals with shared professional interests, provide a platform for exchanging insights, best practices, and practical experiences. They serve as informal networks that foster continuous learning within organizations.

Moreover, the recognition of knowledge as a strategic asset has led to the emergence of Chief Knowledge Officers (CKOs) in some organizations. CKOs are responsible for developing and implementing knowledge management strategies, aligning them with overall business objectives. This acknowledgment of knowledge management as a C-suite responsibility underscores its integral role in organizational success. In the ever-evolving landscape, the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies presents new possibilities for knowledge dissemination and training. These immersive technologies can simulate real-world scenarios, providing hands-on experiences that enhance learning and skill development.

In sum, the multifaceted nature of knowledge management extends to the realms of tacit knowledge, blockchain applications, the influence of social media, communities of practice, the role of Chief Knowledge Officers, and the potential of augmented and virtual reality. As these elements intertwine, they contribute to the continuous evolution and refinement of knowledge management practices in diverse sectors and industries.

 

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